Rebuilding Social Capital: The Soft Impact of Reintegration Programs on Uganda's Child Soldiers

Abstract

Based on quantitative micro-level data gathered in Uganda, this article contributes to the systematic evaluation of reintegration programs for child soldiers. While prominent studies suggest that These programs make no difference for the reintegration success of participants, I argue that by using a more finely grained measurement of reintegration success, evidence can be found that participation in such programs actually does have a positive effect by enhancing the social capital of individuals. Findings are based on 100 semi-structured interviews with adolescents taking part in an education program established by the Norwegian Refugee Council. Program participants were compared to a control group of 50 individuals with similar backgrounds who have not taken part in any reintegration program. The analysis demonstrates that participating former child soldiers felt a stronger sense of belonging and trust towards their community, had more friends and were more active in social clubs than non-participants. Furthermore, overall satisfaction with life was considerably strengthened.